A gang that targeted Carphone Warehouse stores across London was brought to justice thanks to witnesses and police who scoured hours of CCTV footage.

The Crown Prosecution Service praised witnesses and officers for their efforts in bringing the eight men to justice.

Members of the gang were jailed at Southwark Crown Court on March 22 for raiding 35 of the mobile phone stores, including branches in Enfield, Barnet and Tottenham.

Carphone Warehouse suffered more than £200,000 in loss and damages in the raids.

Claire Holder, CPS London reviewing lawyer, described how the raiders struck in groups of three or more, using shock, fear and intimidation to steal mobile phones and tablet computers.

She said: “The scale of this conspiracy resulted in a large number of witnesses and many hours of CCTV footage. We worked closely with our police partners to build a strong case to put before the court, which resulted in all eight defendants pleading guilty.

“People should be able to go about their work and their shopping without fear of violence and criminals who use these tactics to get what they want will be robustly prosecuted.”